Paving material distribution apparatus



United StatesPatent [72] lnventors George W. Swisher, Jr.,

Gordon L. Spivey, Oklahoma City, and Don W. Smith, Edmond, Oklahoma [21] Appl. No. 749,731

9 [22] Filed Aug. 2, 1968 [45] Patented Nov. 17, 1970 [73] Assignee CMI Corporation Oklahoma City, Oklahoma a corporation of Oklahoma [54] PAVING MATERIAL DISTRIBUTION APPARATUS 20 Claims, 19 Drawing Figs.

Primary Examiner-Jacob L. Nackenoff Attorney- Dunlap, Laney, Hessin and Dougherty ABSTRACT: Apparatus for evenly distributing paving materia1 along-a prepared roadbed, the apparatus consisting of a main frame and laterally disposedsupport element which carries a transversely movable conveyor assembly, a paving material spreading mechanism, and a paving material strikeoff mechanism as a rearmost operating element. The conveyor assembly is constructed so that it can be controlled to extend a hopper portion of the conveyor assembly outboard from the roadway to receive paving material from standard dump-type trucks and, thereafter, the conveyor is controllably moved transverse to the roadway and relative to the main frame to dump paving material at selected points across the roadway in front ofthe spreader and mold-board mechanisms.

Patented Nov. 17, 1970 Sheet 3 026 m\ J. 8.7- g wul Q9 QR fg 3 EN m9 1 Q% g g SN 5 www INVENTOKS 650/965 M4 awn/745?, (44

Patented Nov. 17, 1970 3,546,359

Sheet 6 or 6 7e 50 5/0 /34 500 5 14 SMSHEP, M 2,

BY 04 000 1.. 50/1 52 001/ m M7771" :E 1 E-. ii

INVENTORS PAVING MATERIAL DISTRIBUTION APPARATUS BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field ofthe Invention The invention relates generally to roadway paving apparatus and, more particularly, but not by way of limitation. it relates to improved apparatus for evenly distributing paving material in a roadbed prior to operation of the final pavement finishing apparatus.

2. Description ofthe Prior Art The prior art includes various types of conveyor mechanism which can be manually positioned and controlled to deliver wetted paving material from a position at the side of a prepared roadbed for deposition at a selected point in the.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a side elevation of a paving material distribution apparatus constructed in accordance with the invention;

FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the apparatus ofFIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a front elevation ofthe apparatus of FIGS. land 2;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the conveyor-hopper as sembly of the invention as shown particularly in FIG. 3; I

FIG. 5 is a section taken along lines 5-5 of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a section taken along lines 6-6 of FIG. 4;

FIG. 7 is a vertical section through the length of the conveyor-hopper of FIG. 4;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view ofu tension pulley employed in the conveyor-hopper ofFIG. 4;

roadbed. The prior types of devices generally take the form of stationary conveyor apparatus and those which do include mobile support means are still maintained in stationary operation while receiving paving material and while conveying paving material laterally to a place of deposition. The design of prior apparatus has been greatly influenced by necessities growing out of operation with specific forms of paving material hauling apparatus and, therefore, the prior art exhibits a distinctly different structural trend.

SUMMARY OF THEINVENTION The present invention contemplates a mobile paving material distribution apparatus ofthe self-propelled type which functions to receive and distribute wetted paving material across a roadbed evenly and to a desired depth. In a more limited aspect, the invention consists ofa main frame assembly which is supported on mobile elements which contact the earth on each side of a roadbed, and the'frame supports a conveyor hopper assembly in transversely'slidable affixure across its front portion. A variable speed spreader assembly is supported by the frame to the rear of the conveyor-hopper assembly in transversely slidable affixure across its front portion. A variable speed spreader assembly is supported by the frame to the rear of the conveyor-hopper assembly and still rearward, a

vertically adjustable strike-off or moldboard is supported from the frame transverse to the roadbed to define the final profile of the distributed paving material. The conveyor-hopper assembly is readily controllable as to lateral positioning relative to the frame and roadbed such that it can be positioned with the ho per outboard to one side ofthe roadbed to receive pav- I tion across the roadbed. without necessitating an initial independent operation of dumping the paving material in the roadbed.

It is also an object of the invention to provide apparatus for distributing paving material over.roadbeds which have reinforcing steel or such situated inplaceawaiting pavement overlay.

It is still further an object of the invention to provide a paving material spreader apparatus which is readily adaptable to include conveyor-hopper machinery into its general frame structure, the frame and attendant spreader and conveyor structure being of modular construction to enable adaptation of the apparatus for use with various widths of roadbed.

Finally, it is an object of the present invention to provide a mobile placer-spreader machine which is capable of receiving paving material from either a standard-type dump truck, a side respective support posts 20, 22. 32 and 34. The support posts loading dump truck, or both. at one side of a roadbed during FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a top portion of the conveyor-hopper mechanism as connected in accordance with the invention and having the drive pulley shown in partial cutaway;

FIG. 10 is a section taken across the forward portion of the distribution apparatus to illustrate the support and control structure'for the conveyor-hopper assembly;

FIG. 11 is a vertical section through a portion of the conveyor support assembly to illustrate a retractable, rotatable truck bumper:

FIG. l2'is an operational front view with conveyor-hopper assemblyextended and showing a standard-type dump truck in dashlines;

FIG. 13 is an operational front view showing the conveyor hopper moved laterally across the roadbed;

FIG. 14 is a vertical cross section showing an alternative form of strike-off member which may be employed in the present invention; and

FIG. 15 is a front elevation showing a portion of an alternative form of spreader assembly, specifically a cutting auger, which may be employed in the present invention.

FIGS. 16A and 168 show one form of side-dumping truck which may be used with the present invention in its loading and dumping attitudes respectively;

FIG. I7'is aside view of the conveyor-hopper assembly includingside dump adapting elements; and

FIG. 18 is a front elevation of the conveyor-hopper structure ofFlG'. 17. I

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT I and 22 pivotally attached to respective mobile track assemblies 24 and 26. Similarly, the rear portion of distributing machine l0 is carried by rear support arms 28 and 30 affixed to their respective vertically adjustable support posts 32 and 34 which are pivotally attached to mobile track assemblies 36 and 38.

Each of the track assemblies 24, 26. 36 and 38 are vertically pivotally affixed by means of a yoke member 40 to their 20. 22, 32 and 34 include adjustment mechanism for providing vertical elongation of the respective support posts for the purpose of leveling the combined frames 12 and I4 of distributing machine 10. Similar types of mobile track assemblies and-their various control and support structure are more particular subject matter of the copending U.S. Pat. No. 3.421859 entitled "Road Construction Methods and Apparatus filed on Apr. 7, 1965 in the name of George W. Swisher, et al.'-, this application also being assigned to the present assignee.

The from frame I4 consists of opposite side frames 42 and 44 havingtransversc support rails 46. 48 and 50 securely af fixed therebetween. The central support rail 50 is secured at a slightly higher level than the forward and rear rails 46 and 48 by means of rail support members 52 and 54 which are secured atop opposite side frames 42 and 44, and a plurality of strengthening beams 56 are affixed in longitudinal array between respective forward and rearward rails 46 and 48 and the upper, central rail 50.

The central rail serves to support a conveyor 58 for controlled lateral movement across the roadway, as will be further described. Conveyor 58 consists of a hopper portion 60 and a chute portion 62 which is supported by a support frame 64 as pivotally secured to a guide assembly 66 which is transversely slidable along the rail 50. Lateral motion ofconveyor 58 is el l'ectcd by means of a double'acting hydraulic piston assembly 68 and a transverse cable assembly 70 as will also be further described in greater detail.

The outer end or hopper portion of conveyor 58 is sup ported slidably along a pair of rollers 72 and 74 (FIG. 1) which are adapted to receive slidably thereover a forward slide rail 76 and a rearward slide rail 78, each of which slide rails 76 and 78 are secured to the sides of conveyor 58. As shown in P10. 1, the forward grooved roller 72 is rotationally held by a vertically adjustable column 80 which is adjustably slidable within upper column 82 rigidly secured to side frame 44. The rearward grooved roller 74 is similarly supported by means of a column 84 which is vertically adjustable within an upper column 86 also supported by side frame 44. Similar upper columns 88 and 90 disposed in rigid engagement on the outer side of the opposite side frame 42 provides similar telescoping affixure to a forward column 80 and rearward column 84 to position similar guide rollers. Thus, utilizing the similar left side guide rollers (not specifically shown) the conveyor 58 can be turned around and operated entirely in the reverse manner with hopper portion 60 being accessible from the left side ofdistributing machine 10.

The moving parts ofconvcyor 58 are energized by means of a hydrostatically powered hydraulic motor 92 which is secured through an upper support frame 64 to provide power input to the conveyor components (as will be described). Hydraulic energization and control of hydraulic motor 92 is effected via cable array 94 which is maintained in position by a cable support post 96 secured to the forward rail 46 by a cable support post 96 secured to the forward rail 46 to hold cable array 94 out of interfering contact with any moving components ofthe machinery.

The main frame 12 consists of opposite side frames 100 and 102 and transverse frames'104 and 106 which are rigidly affixed therebctween. A top portion of frame 12 forms the operator's position and it includes a power source 108 and an operator's control console 110. A forward grating 112 is disposed about the remaining upper surface of main frame 12 to provide maximum operator's access freedom. Power source 108 may consist of the usual heavy machinery power equipment', for example, diesel engine, hydraulic pumps and reservoirs. and any other pneumatic or electrical equipment which may be selected for powering the various components of the machinery. Such selected power equipment is more fully discussed in the aforementioned U.S. Pat. No. 3,423,859.

An auger 114 and a strike-off or moldboard 116 are supported across the underside of main frame 12. Thus, the auger 114 is supported between side panels 118 disposed on each side of main frame 12. The auger 114 is held in vertically adjustable manner within slide plates 120 secured in each side panel 118, and auger 114 is powered by a variable speed, reversible hydrostatic hydraulic drive. The suspension and drive system for auger 114 may be identical to that disclosed in the aforementioned U.S. Pat. No. 3,423,859.

The moldboard 116 is similarly hydraulically adjustable in the vertical direction to provide a desired profile and level of strike-off. Moldboard 116 is slidably supported just forward of a moldboard support panel 122 which is also secured between opposite side panels 118. Here again. the particular forms of support and vertical hydraulic control of moldboard 116 may be identical with those disclosed in the aforementioned U.S.

Pat. No. 3,423,859. Each side of main frame 12 may also include removable side plates 124 which are hingedly connected to side panels 18 by means of hinged pin assemblies 126, and a hydraulic cylinder assembly 128 allows operator control of the side plates 124. Side plates 124 extend into near contact with the roadbed and they serve to place an edge on the rough-distributed concrete or such other paving material.

Steering of the distributing machine 10 may be effected in the same manner as disclosed in the aforementioned U.S. Pat. No. 3,423,859. That is, and referring to FlGS. land 3, each of the pivotal yokcs 40 is further connected in vertically pivotal manner to a steering arm 130, and the steering arms 130 are each operated from centrally disposed steering equipment to turn the respective mobile track assemblies 24, 26,36 and 38. Thus, as shown in FIG. 3, a front hydraulic steering cylinder 132 is secured to a forward transverse beam 134 to control lateral positioning of a double ended piston shaft 136. Opposite ends of piston shaft 136 are affixed to position respective connecting rods 138 and 140 which are each connected to a respective steering arm 130. The rear steering (FIG. 1) is effected in the same manner by means of a centrally located hydraulic steering assembly 142 (FIG. 1) acting through respective connecting rods 144 attached to steering arms 130v A heavy protective cover 146 of rubber or such is placed over forward hydraulic assembly 132 (FIG. 3) to guard against possible damage by collection ofpaving material.

Steering may be effected automatically to release the operators attention for total application to the spreading function. Thus, stringline guidance utilizing control sensors, such as are disclosed in the aforementioned U.S. Pat. No. 3,423,859, may

be employed to control both the steering and leveling functions. Steering sensing may derive from a stringline as disposed on either side of the roadbed. Lcvcl sensing may be similarly controlled by sensing of suitable reference markings on each side of the roadbcd with subsequent control of the hydraulically extendablc vertical support posts 20, 22. 32 and 34. The reference marking may-be such as stringlines, the edge of an adjacent pavement slab, or other such references either level or uneven as required.

An important feature of the present invention is its adaptability to modular construction such that its basic structure can be readily varied for operation in preparing different widths of pavement. Matched modular extensions of various lengths are available for insertion in each of the transverse members. either frame members or operative elements, of the distributing machine 10, and insertion of such equal modules may be readily performed in the field so that the distributing machine 10 is capable of paving material distribution along roadbeds varying from 20 to 36 feet in width. Thus, and referring to FIG. 2, the rail extensions 150 and 152 may be inserted in forward and rear rails 46 and 48 while an extension module 154 lengthens one side of the upper rail 50. The forward and rear transverse members 104 and 106 may be lengthened by transversal extensions 156 and 158 suitably secured therein while auger 114 and moldboard 116 are similarly extended by modules 160 and 162. It should be understood, of course, that similar, equal-length modules are inserted on the opposite sides ofthe various transversely extending members.

The distributing machine 10 also has a capability of providing varying track placement in adherence to certain operating problems or construction regulations and specifications. Thus, the track elements can be attached in a straight ahead manner as shown by dashlines 164, in wide angle or straddle manner as shown by dashlines 166, or in an intermediate angular extension as depicted in FIG. 2. Thus, each of support legs 16, 18. 28 and 30 is flange connected to a selected angle wedge 168 which, in turn, is flange connected to the forward or rear edges of front side frames 42 and 44 and rear side frames 100 and 102. inclusion of the offsetting angle wedges 168 can ena ble a very important capability in some states where construction specifications disallow support of machines in the roadbcd, or where reinforcing steel and/0r tie bar extensions may interfere with machine mobility.

As shown in FIG. 4, conveyor 58 is formed by an end plate 170 and a pair of oppositely disposed side members 172 and 174 which are affixed to end plate 170, and side members 172 and 174 extend horizontally to define hopper portion 60 and then cant upward to define chute portion 62. A splash panel 176 is suitably affixed along the top ofend plate 170 and a pair of resilient bumpers 178 and 180, e.g. folded neophrene or such, are secured along the top comb ofeach of side members 172 and 174 in the area of hopper portion 60. A pair of triangular splash plates 182 and 184 are secured in a rigid manner to each ofside members 172 and 174 at the lower end ofchute portion 62 to retain paving material which may build up at that point during operation.

The interior sides of hopper portion 60 and chute portion 62 are defined by slope plates 186 and 188 and 190 and 192, respectively, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6. Each of side panels 186 192 is rigidly secured to its respective side members 172 and 174 to lead downward into sliding contact with a floor portion ofconveyor 58 which is formed by the moving belt 63. The belt 63 may be such as a one inch thick, continuous rubber or neophrene belt of selected width. The preferred form of the invention utilizes a conveyor belt 63 which is 60 inches wide to offer very great conveyor capacity. The upper end of conveyor 58 has the support frame 64 securely affixed thereto and pivotally attached to guide assembly 66 for suspension as will be further described.

As shown in FIG. 5, opposite side members 172 and 174 are rigidly secured to a plurality of vertical braces 194, and each oppositely disposed pair of braces 194 has a horizontal sup port brace 196 rigidly affixed there between to provide transverse rigidity to conveyor 58. A plurality of bearing blocks 198 are secured along the inner side ofside member 172 while a similar and oppositely positioned plurality of bearing blocks 200 are secured along the inner side of side member 174. The bearing blocks 198 and 200 provide rotational seatings for opposite ends of a plurality of rollers 202 which support conveyor belt 63 along the floor of hopper portion 60 ofconveyor 58.

Similarly, oppositely disposed bushing blocks 204 and 206 support a plurality of rollers 208 along the floor of chute portion 62 of conveyor 58 as shown in FIG. 6. As shown in both FIGS. 5 and 6, and inner support plate 210 is rigidly secured as by welding to an angle support 212 which is affixed to the inner side of side member 172. Inner support plate 210 provides a slide surface for maintaining the edge of conveyor belt 63 close to the lower edge of side panels 188 and 190. Similarly, an oppositely disposed inner support plate 214 and angle 216 secured along the inner side of opposite side member 174 serve to carry out the same function on the opposite side of conveyor 58. The return of conveyor belt 63 along the under side of rollers 208 and 202 is supported by means of traverse braces 196 periodically spaced along conveyor 58.

As shown in FIG. 7, the conveyor belt 63 is supported by a.

plurality of closely spaced rollers 202 in the hopper portion 60, and a plurality of less closely spaced rollers 208 up along the chute portion 62. The lower end of conveyor belt 63 is supported on a tension pulley 220 which is rotationally positioned transversely across hopper portion 60 and a large support roller 222 is positioned parallel thereto. As shown in FIG. 8, tension pulley 220 is supported on an axle 224 and it consists ofa plurality of radial plates 226 extending in spaced relationship along axle 224, each radial plate 226 having a halfround gripping bar 228 welded along its outer edge. The spaces between each of the radial plates 226 are enclosed by suitable sheet metal enclosures 230 welded therebetween.

Referring to FIGS. 7 and 9, the upper end of belt 63 is supported by a drive pulley 232 rotationally supported by an axle' 234 between a pair of side plates 236 which serve as vertical support members of the support frame 64. The drive pulley 232 may be a rubber surfaced, treaded type of belt drive pulley, as will be further described, for imparting rotational drive output from hydraulic motor 92 to the conveyor belt 63. An

adjustable pulley 238 which is rotatably supported by a pair of hangers (not shown) may be adjusted in vertical position to place the desiredtension in conveyor belt 63. Support frame 64 includes oppositely disposed side plates 236 which are, in turn, secured to upright posts 240 and these support a top plate 242 which is joined to a curved splash plate 244 also rigidly retained between opposite side members 172 and 174. The curved splash plate 244 suspends a resilient extension 246 (FIG. 7), tag. a heavy neophrene sheet, which is suspended for adjustment by means of a pair of oppositely disposed chains 248 to guard against overthrow of paving material upon release by chute portion 62. A splash plate 250 is rigidly affixed to a pivot arm 252 which is hydraulically adjustable by means of a hydraulic cylinder assembly 254 to allow further control ofthe paving material released by chute portion 62.

Referring'again to FIG. 9, the upper end of conveyor 58 is supported by means of guide assembly 66 which is movably supported by transverse support rail 50. Support rail 50 consists of a beam 260 which is securely affixed to opposite end supports 52 and 54 (FIG. 3). and beam 260 supports an I- beam 262 which is welded securely therebeneath. The guide assembly 66 is retained in I-beam 262 by means of four rollers 264, two disposed on each side of I-beam 262. pairs of rollers 264 being rotationally held by respective side plates 266 and 268 which are pivotally secured by means ofa pivot pin 270 to a flange bracket 272 which is integrally connected to the top plate 242 of support frame 64. The guide assembly 66 is moved reciprocally across l-beam 262 by means of cables 274 and 276 as will be further described below.

Referring to FIG. 10, the hydraulic assembly 68 is secured atop beam 260 to afford control of cable assembly 70 for reciprocal movement of guide assembly 66 and therefore conveyor 58 back and forth across the roadbed. The hydraulic assembly 68 consists of a hydraulic cylinder 280 of the doublcacting type which extends oppositely reciprocating piston rods 290 and 292. Piston rod 290 is terminated in a pulley 294 which receives cable 274 from a cable support post 296 therearound to direct cable 274 to a cable pulley 298 whereupon cable 274 is again centrally directed and attached to the guide assembly 66. In similar manner, opposite piston rod 292 is terminated in a pulley 300 and cable 276 is led from a cable support post 302 over pulley 300 for return around a right side pulley 304 whereupon it is then connected to the opposite side ofguide assembly 66. Thus, it should be apparent that reciprocation of piston rods 290 and 292 within hydraulic cylinder 288 will serve to move guide assembly 66 across I-beam 262 to traverse the conveyor 58 across the roadbed.

FIG. 10.also serves to illustrate the manner in which the rotating truck bumper assemblies are supported. The support columns 80 which telescope upward within columns 82 and 88 support the forward transverse beam 134 and they also support grooved rollers 72 (FIG. 1) in engagement with the conveyor guide bar 76. The right-hand column 80 supports a bumper assembly 310 while the left hand 80 supports the opposite bumper assembly 312. Each of the bumper assemblies 310 and 312 is capable of extending a rotating bumper arm outward for rolling engagement with the rear tandem wheels of a dump truckwhile it is moving forward and in the process of unloading its dump bed into the hopper portion 60.

Thus, as shown in FIG. 11, the right bumper assembly 310 consists of a cylinder 314 which is flange connected to the rectangular transverse beam 134 and which is rigidly held in position by means of a C-clamp portion 316 securely bolted beneath the column 80. A roller cylinder 318 is slidlngly inserted for longitudinal reciprocation within cylinder 314 under control of a connecting rod 320 and a double-acting hydraulic cylinder 322. Hydraulic cylinder 322 is rigidly secured within transverse beam 134 by conventional fasteners at its transverse center point. The connecting rod 320 extends outward into rotational connection with a pair of bearing assemblies 324 and 326 which are securely held in rotational alignment on a connecting bar 328. The bearing assemblies 324 and 326 are suitably retained within roller cylinder 318 by means ofconventional bearing positioning techniques.

The opposite roller assembly 312 would be similarly con structed to have an oppositely disposed connecting rod (not shown) extending from hydraulic cylinder 322, and the roller assembly 312 would come into play when the conveyor 58 was oppositely connected into the distributing machine 10, Le. as connected with hopper portion 60 accessible from the left side ofthe machine.

In the manner disclosed in the aforementioned US. Pat. No. 3,423,859, the auger 114 is independently controllable as to direction of rotation and speed of rotation from zero to approximately 80 rpm. by operator control at the console 110. Auger 114 is driven by a hydrostatic transmission hydraulic system such as is commercially available under designation of the Dynapower series from the New York Air Brake Company of Watertown, New York. Also, the auger 114 is preferably a s lit-in-the-middle type having independent control as to rotation and speed of the two separate right and left auger halves. This type of auger which is also the subject matter of the aforementioned patent application allows hydraulic adjustment of thecenter post suspending the center portions ol the left and right auger halves such that various crowning or other such profile adjustments are available. The strike-off moldboard 116 may be similarly divided into two halves with the center independently suspended for crowning or profile variation.

The hydraulic motor 92 is preferably the similar type of hydrostatic hydraulic drive motor which is capable of imparting rotation to drive pulley 232 and, therefore, conveyor belt 63 in either direction and over a wide range ofspeeds. The use of such a wide conveyor belt, 60 inches traveling width, with the easy speed and direction adjustments enables a truly ver satile distributing performance. The conveyor 58 can unload more than 8 cubic yards ofpaving material in something under 20 seconds.

OPERATlON The distributing machine is capable of automatic leveling and steering performance in the manner disclosed in the previous US. Pat. No, 3,423,859. The distributing machine 10 may be controlled by use of specific forms of control sensors reading the variations frotn a reference string line, the edge or surface of an existing paving slab, or various other stable reference means. Thus the machine permits one man to monitor and control all the distribution operation with undivided attention from a command position at the console 110.

The width ofthe distributing machine 10 is first adjusted in accordance with the job specification which determines the width of the paving slab which is to be laid down in the roadbed. A proper combination of transverse support member modules 150, 154, 152, 156 and 158 may be inserted in rigid, flangeconnected affixure to their respective transverse members to bring the distributing machine 10 to the proper width. Also, the similar operating element modules 160 and 162 must also be interconnected. Thus, if the basic structure of dis tributing machine 10 is designed to lay a dual-lane, 24 foot wide pavement slab, and it is desired to lay a 30 foot wide pavement slab in a particular operation, then each of the transverse modules (150, 160, etc.) would consist of two 3 foot long inserts such that insertion of one on each side of each transversal would bring the machine width to the proper 6 foot increase. Also, the setting or angle of respective track assemblies 24, 26, 36 and 38 are assembled at a desired angular relation by provision of the proper size of angular wedge 168 as securely flange connected in each of the support legs 16.18.28 and 30.

FIG. 12 shows a front view ofthe distributing machine 10 in what may be termed a start position. That is, the distributing machine 10 is operated so that conveyor 58 is moved to its most rightward position, and roller cylinder 318 of right roller assembly 310 has been actuated to its outboard position where it can contact the rear wheels ofa dump truck 333 as shown in dashline outline. The hydraulic cylinder assembly 68 is actuated to retract pulley 300 such that cable 276 pulls guide assembly 66, and therefore conveyor 58, to its most rightward position. The hydraulic cylinder 322 (FIG. 11) within transverse beam 134 is also energized to extend roller cylinder 318 outward for contact with truck wheels 335. The dump truck 333 can then be operated to dump its load of paving material into hopper portion 60 of conveyor 58 while the entire assemblies, distributing machine 10 and truck 333, move forward along the roadbed.

As paving material empties out of dump truck 333. the belt 63 of conveyor 58 operates to move paving material up the chute portion 62 under control of hydraulic motor 92 for deposition in the roadbed. The hydraulic assembly 254 (FIG. 7) may be operated from console 110 to adjust the angle of plate 250 for the desired amount of deflection ofthe deposited or falling paving material, and the flexible partition 246 minimi/es splashing arid overshoot of paving material.

The paving material deposited as shown in FIG. 12 will be generally in the center of the roadbed and the operator excrcises control of distribution by adjusting the auger 114 to properly position paving material such that strike-off moldboard 116 will form the paving material at a desired level without undue head buildup of excess material along its leading edge. The auger 114 may have each half separately controlled; for example, the right half may be operated to move paving material to the right at a high rate of revolution and the left half of auger 114 will be rotated to move paving material oppositely in the leftward direction.

After the dump truck 333 completely dumps its load of paving material, the truck operator can accelerate and drive off by whatever access roads to pickup a next load of paving material. The operator of distributing machine 10 may then operate hydraulic cylinder assembly 322 (FIG. 11) to retract rolling cylinder 318 into the cylinder 314 of roller assembly 310. As the distributing machine 10 continues along the roadbed the operator maintains full control over latei'al positioning of conveyor 58 so that paving material is dumped where needed for the purpose of evenly distributing the paving material along the roadbed as preconditioned by auger 114 and moldboard 116.

FIG. 13 shows the distributing machine 10 when hydraulic assembly 68 is operated such that pulley 294 is withdrawn and pulley 300 is extended to cause coacting movement of cables 274 and 276 to draw the guide assembly 66 over to its most leftward position. In this attitude, the conveyor 58 is positioned with hopper portion 60 completely withdrawn inside the right hand track assembly 26 such that chute portion 62 deposits paving material on the left side of the roadbed. it can also he noted that, due to the particular transverse bend of the grooved guide bars 76 and 78 on each side of conveyor 58 which ride on respective grooved rollers 72 and 74 (see FIG. 1), the hopper portion 60 is raised upward and tilted in response to leftward movement of conveyor 58 such that paving material will fall inward along the direction of conveyor belt motion to aid in emptying out hopper portion 60. Upon movement ofconveyor 58 back outboard, grooved guide bars 76 and 78 will cause hopper portion 60 to be evenly lowered to its lowermost and horizontal position (as shown in FIG. 12) suitable for unloading engagement behind the dump truck 333.

It should he understood that conveyor 58 is completely and readily reversible such that hopper portions 60 will be accessible from the left side of the distributing machine 10. Thus, conveyor 58 can be turned around such that its grooved guide bars 76 and 78 will rest in grooved rollers similar to 72 and 74 except that they are disposed on the columns 80 and 84, on the left side of distributing machine 10. The operation is the same, however, in that the columns 80 and 84 are vertically adjustable in telescoping manner upward within vertical columns 88 and 90 secured on the outer side of left forward frame member 42. The hydraulic motor 92 will then be disposed inboard but cable array 94 is of suitable length to accommodate all variations of assembly. Also, when conveyor 58 is disposed for left side access, the hydraulically actuated roller assembly 312 comes into play for bearing against the rear wheels of an off-loading dump truck.

The distributing machine is also capable of operation as merely a spreader unit. Thus, and referring to FIGS. 1 and 2 in particular, the support legs connected to the main frame side members 100 and 102, thus omitting forward side frames 42 and 44 and the entire conveyor assembly. The distributing machine can then be employed to progress along the roadbed and, with the use of auger I14 and moldhoard II6, to operate upon rough-strewn paving material dumped or otherwise deposited along the roadbcd to place it in proper distribution for following fine finishing equipment. For example, proper initial placement of the paving material, evenly and at a desired depth along the roadhcd. can serve to speed up greatly a following slip-form paving operation which forms the finished pavement surface.

FIG. I4 shows in alternative form of moldhoard 336 which is suitable for use with the distributing machine 10in substitution for moldhoard I16. Moldboard 3336 consists of a hanger plate 338 having a strike-off plate 340 securely welded across its bottom edge. The hanger plate 338 is securely held between a pair of laterally disposed guide plates 342 and 344 which are secured to the frame of distributing machine 10, and hanger plate 338 can be hydraulically positioned upward or downward within guide plates 342 and 344. It is preferable that alternative moldboard 336 be constructed in two halves, in end-to-end alignment, having their center ends independently supported from a hydraulically adjustable hanger member (not shown).

FIG. shows an alternative form of auger 350 which may be employed with certain forms of paving material. The auger 350 may be constructed similar to the auger 114 in that it includes an auger shaft 352 having a helical flight or auger vane 354 welded in the spiral relationship therealong. Cutter auger 350 also includes an interstitial helical array of cutter assemblies 356. The cutter assemblies 356 may be an adjustable toothed cutter as specifically disclosed in the aforementioned US Pat. No. 3,423,859. or they may be simply the generally rectangular hammer teeth as shown. The use of cutter auger 350 would be similar to that proposed for auger 114. That is, the cutter auger 350 would be employed in two halves and in cnd-to-end alignment, and it may be separately controllable as to speed and direction of rotation from the operators console Ill).

The distribution machine I0 is also readily adaptable for use with side-dumping types of dump trucks. For example, FIGS. 16A and 16B depict a Maxon type of side-dumping truck as modified for use with distribution machine 10. Such a sidedumping truck includes a truck bed 360 having a symmetrically shaped carriage bed 362 which is suitably supported by conventional structure from truck bed 360 so that it is capable of rotation in the direction indicated by arrow 364 to dump its load at the side as shown in FIG. 168. The truck bed 362 may be further modified to include a side-chute panel 366 which is hingedly secured by a hinge assembly 368 to the carriage bed 362. The side chute 366 may then be placed in its upright or closed position during transport of paving material, and the dumping action allows it to fall away and then to direct the material into the dumping area. 1

The use of such side-dumping trucks with the distribution machine l0necessitatcs the addition offunneling structure, as shown in FIGS. I7 and I8, which serves to direct paving material into the conveyor 58 in efficient manner. The funneling structure consists of a front deflecting plate 370, a rear deflecting plate 372 and a hopper chute 374 which is disposed to direct paving material into the hopper portion 60 of conveyor 58. The funncling structure is supported about front and rear support braces 376 and 378 which are suitably securedby rigid fastening to the respective front and rear upper columns 82 and 86. The side deflector 370 is then secured to brace 376 and it is formed to project a plate 380 having a rearwardly bent lower portion 382 which directs within the hopper funnel l6 and 18 can be directly flange 374. Similarlyfthe rear side deflecting plate 372 secured to brace 378 is formed to have a side panel 384 with a forwardly bent lower portion 286.

The side deflecting panels 270 and 372 may remain in fixed position throughoutoperation; however, the hopper chute 374 is arranged for upward rotation to a noninterfering position in the event that rear-dumping dump trucks are used in the same operation. Thus, hopper funnel 374 is formed with a front brace 388, a suitable channel member or such, having a side panel 390 and slanting front and rear panels 392 and 394 which extend downward within the upper opening of hopper portion 60. A tubular axle 396 is pivotally supported in horizontal position over the conveyor 58 by front and rear hangers 393 and 395 which are secured to each of upper columns and 86. The axle 396 extends through opposite from and rear panels 392 and 394 and it is securely affixed thereon, as by welding or such, so that rotation ofaxle 396 will rotate hopper chute 374 upward and away from the immediate area over chute portion 60.

"The axle 396 has an actuating lever 400 affixed thereto and this is pivotally connected to a push rod 402 which is supported by a'suitable cable 404 in position for contact with a cup 406 when conveyor 58 is moved to its outboard position. The cup 406 is welded at a selected point along chute portion 62 of conveyor 58 such that it will catch the end of rod 402 to turn actuating lever 400 and axle 396 to rotate hopper chute 374 upward.

In operation, the employ of the hopper chute 374 and the side-dumping capability can enable a marked increase in the speed of supply of paving material to a paving train. Thus, trucks of both the rear-dumping and side-dumping types may be used, and to best advantage, by alternating their respective delivery of loads to the distribution machine 10. Thus, with the conveyor 58 in the disposition as shown in FIG. 18, a sidedumping truck can be brought along side to dispense its paving material into the hopper chute 374 and hopper 60 whereu pon the operator moves the paving material up chute 62 and drops it at selected'points along the roadbed for spreading distribution.

The next load of paving material will then be carried by a rear-dumping truck whereupon conveyor 58 would be operated to its outboard position as shown in FIG. 12. This movement of conveyor 58 would also bring contacting cup 406 against push rod 402 to rotate axle 396 and move the hopper chute- 374 upward and out of contact with any paving material which is dumped in hopper portion 60. Thereafter, the paving material is conveyed through and up chute portion 62 for dumping at a selected point in the roadbed.

After receiving and dispensing the rear-dumped paving material, the next alternate load would be supplied by another side-dumpingdump truck and inward movement of conveyor 58 strikes actuating lever 400 to allow the hopper chute 374 to fall downward into position for the side-dumping operation. Such usage of different dump truck types in alternation can enable very fast laydown of paving material with limitations imposed only by the number of trucks and the proximity of the batch plant or other such source.

The foregoing discloses a novel road construction machine which is capable of versatile-operation in receiving and plate ing wettcd paving material along a roadbed. The invention enables deposition of paving material along a roatlbed without necessitating movement of any machinery on the roadbed itself. Such operation is often necessary when certain subgrade materials and/or reinforcement wire or steel are placed in the roadbed. Further, the invention enables a paving material receiving and depositing apparatus which is capable of effecting all functions while continuously moving forward along the roadbed. The apparatus may be automatically controlled as to steering and level functions such that a single operator may devote full attention to the depositing and spreading operations to provide optimum placement of unfinished paving material along the roadbed.

Changes may be made in the combination and arrangement of elements as heretofore set forth in the specification and shown in the drawings; it being understood that changes may be made in the embodiments disclosed without departing from the spirit and scope ofthe invention as defined in the following claims.

We claim:

1. A roadway construction machine for distributing paving material in a roadway, comprising:

frame means extending across said roadway;

support means rigidly connected to each side of said frame mobile means pivolally affixed to said support means and disposed on each side ofsaid roadway; conveyor means of a length which is slightly less than the width of said roadway, including material receiving means at one end, said conveyor means being disposed in transverse orientation relative to said roadway; and

conveyor support means secured to said frame means and supporting said conveyor means in said transverse orientation for reciprocal movement endwise to vary the trans verse positioning of said conveyor means between limits wherein, one extent places the material receiving means of said conveyor means to the side of said roadway and the related side mobile means, and the other extent places the entire conveyor means between said opposite side mobile means and above said roadway.

2. A roadway construction machine as set forth in claim 1 which is further characterized to include spreader means adjustably supported from said frame means in generally transverse orientation to said roadway for placement in contacting relationship with said paving material.

3. A roadway construction machine as set forth in claim 2 which is further characterized to include moldboard means adjustably supported from said frame means in generally transverse orientation to said roadway to effect strike-off of said paving material at a selected heighth.

4. A roadway construction machine as set forth in claim I wherein said frame means comprises:

first frame means; and second frame means which is detachably, rigidly connected to said first frame means and said support means, said second frame means supporting said conveyor means in said transverse orientation. 5. A roadway construction machine as set forth in claim 4 which is further characterized to include:

spreader means adjustably supported from said first frame means in generally transverse orientation to said roadway;and moldboard means adjustably supported from said first frame means in generally transverse orientation to said roadway.

6. A roadwayconstruction machine as set forth in claim 1 wherein said support means and mobile means comprise:

four support legs, two each being rigidly connected to the front and rear ofeach side ofsaid frame means; and four mobile means, each mobile means being pivotally affixed to a respective one ofsaid support means. 7. A roadway construction machine as set forth in claim 1 wherein said conveyor means comprises:

container means including a generally horizontal hopper portion and a chute portion extending upward in an ascending slope in said transverse direction; endless belt means movably secured within said container means and disposed to move along the bottom of said hopper portion and up the ascending slope of said chute portion; and drive means for imparting motion to said endless belt such that it moves from said hopper portion tip through said chute portion. 8. A roadway construction machine as set forth in claim 7 wherein said drivemeans comprises:

motor means mounted on said container means and providing rotational output;

linkage means connecting said rotational output to drive said endless belt means; and control means for regulating the speed of rotation and the direction of rotation ofsaid motor means output. 9. A roadway construction machine as set forth in claim 1 wherein said conveyor support means comprises:

rail means rigidly secured to said frame means to extend transversely across said roadway; guide means movably retained by said rail means for transverse movement therealong, said guide means being pivotally secured to support said conveyor means; and drive means which is operable to position said guide means at a selected position along said rail means to place said conveyor means at a desired transverse position across said roadway. It). A roadway construction machine as set forth in claim 9 wherein said drive means comprises:

cable means connected serially to said guide means and each side of said frame means; and cable control means for reciprocating said cable means to position said guide means transversely across said roadway. 11. A roadway construction machine as set forth in claim 1 which is further characterized to include:

bumper support means secured to said frame means in front ofsaid conveyor means; roller housing means securely affixed to said bumper support means; i rotating bumper means of cylindrical shape movably insertable within said housing means; and power means connectable to said rotating bumper means and controllable to reciprocate said bumper means from a position within said housing means to a position laterally displaced from said housing means.

12. A roadway construction machine as set forth in claim I wherein said conveyor support means comprises:

forward and rear column means secured in vertical alignmeat to one side ofsaid frame means;

first and second roller means rotatably affixed to said forwardand rearward column means in opposite orientation, each of said first and second roller means receiving said conveyor means thcreover to support said conveyor means in laterally movable manner;

rail means rigidly secured to said frame means to extend transversely across said roadway;

guide-means movably retained by said rail means to support said conveyor means at rest on said first and second roller means; and

drive means which is operable to position said guide means at a selected position along said rail means to place said conveyor means at a desired transverse position across said roadway.

13. A roadway construction machine as set forth in claim 12 55 which is further characterized to include:

housing means of generally cylindrical form secured in transverse orientation to said forward column means; rotating bumper means slidingly disposed in said housing means; and

drive means connected to move said rotating bumper means laterally out ofsaid housing means.

14. A roadway construction machine as set forth in claim I which is further characterized in that said conveyor may be disposed in either transverse orientation for end-wise recipro- 65 cal movement. conveyor support means ofidentical construction being disposed on each side ofsaid frame means to enable said disposition in either orientation.

is. A roadway construction machine as set forth in claim 9 which is further characterized in that said conveyor may be 7 disposed in either transverse orientation for end-wise reciprocal movement, conveyor support means of identical construction being disposed on each side ofsaid frame means to enable said disposition in either orientation.

[6. A roadway construction machine as set forth in claim 1 75 which is further characterized to include chute means pivotally supported from said conveyor support means to direct paving material into said material receiving means of the conveyor means.

17. A roadway construction machine as set forth in claim 7 which is further characterized to include chute means pivotally supported from said conveyor support means to direct paving material into said container means hopper portion.

18. A roadway construction machine as set forth in claim 16 wherein said chute means comprises:

axle means rotatably secured to said conveyor support means and extending longitudinally of said machine in horizontal disposition over said conveyor means; hopper chute means having a side panel and front and rear panels, said hopper chute means being secured to said axle means for pivotal movement therenhout; and actuating means controlled by outward transverse position ing of said conveyor means to rotate said axle means and pivot the hopper chute means upward from said conveyor LII means. 19. A roadway construction machine as set forth in claim 17 wherein said chute means comprises:

axle means rotatably secured to said conveyor support means and extending longitudinally of said machine in horizontal disposition over said conveyor means;

hopper chute means having a side panel and front and rear 

